PLDC - Tehran, Iranian football legend, Mehdi Mahdavikia, had some words of wisdom to share, in order to enlighten some bitter characters in Iran who have spread negative energy regarding the selection of foreign-based players.

Some coaches and officials have said that Iranians who can't speak Persian shouldn't be invited to Team Melli. The honourable Mahdavikia put this argument to rest, as he clarified, "The language of football is the same everywhere. The coach of Team Melli has felt that Team Melli is in a delicate situation, and he has decided to make full use of all the legionnaires who have Iranian heritage. It is great to see that players who have potential are getting invited to Team Melli."

Certain shady characters have said that only full-blooded Iranians should be invited to the national team. Mahdavikia responded, "Queiroz wants to use any potential available, whether its domestic talent or players who were raised outside (Iran). We are at a point where grass-roots programs and the output of academies in Iran are at an all time low. So we must make full use of any talent that we have- inside Iran or in other countries. Queiroz has invited Dejagah and Ghoochannejhad, which are two players that are even known and recognized in Europe. They have passed their test in Team Melli, and no one must criticize them."

The newly invited Beitashour has praised Mahdavikia and the Iranian legend had this to say about the Iranian American, "Beitashour is very kind and I wish him the best. I haven't seen his games, but a player that Queiroz has invited must have the qualities to be useful for Team Melli."

Some have said that Daniel Davari should not have been selected, because he can not Speak Persian, and regarding this matter, Mahdavikia said, "When I went to Germany, did I speak German? According to this logic, I shouldn't have been allowed in Germany and should have been sent back to Iran. Everyone saw that I was able to play well in Germany, because as I said, the language of football is universal."

He continued, "I saw a few of Davari's matches in the 2nd Bundesliga, and I am sure he can be effective in Team Melli, because a player that is useful in the Bundesliga will also definitely be useful in Team Melli. I'm sure he will learn how to speak Persian very soon."

By: Arman Tamjidi